Extra funding secured to tackle gender-based violence in Scotland

A £2.4 million boost has been awarded to over 100 organisations across Scotland that are working against gender-based violence. This will bring government investment in Delivering Equally Safe, funds to prevent violence and support survivors, up to £21.6 million for the year ahead, should the 2025-26 Budget be approved.

The Delivery Equally Safe Fund has been in operation since 2021 and is the Scottish government’s funding programme to support third sector organisations and public bodies to contribute to the objectives, missions, and outcomes of the Equally Safe strategy, which is Scotland’s strategy to prevent and eradicate violence against women and girls. Projects funded through the Delivering Equally Safe Fund have supported 67,004 adults, children, and young people since its launch.

Equalities minister Kaukab Stewart announced the funding increase while on a visit to the Glaswegian charity SAY Women, which offer safe accommodation and emotional support for young survivors of sexual abuse who face homelessness. Thanks to the uplift, SAY Women’s funding through the Delivering Equally Safe Fund will increase from £52,009 to £58,770 in 2025-26.

Kaukab Stewart said: “Grassroots organisations across Scotland are at the heart of tackling violence against women and girls. Their work is fundamental to creating a country free from gender-based abuse. 

“This funding boost will support these organisations, will help prevent abuse occurring and ensure that women and girls who have experienced violence can continue to access the support they deserve.

SAY Women CEO Pam Hunter said: “SAY Women is delighted to receive the additional funds. This will go towards increasing our investment into projects for the young women within our services.

“In the face of the rising cost of living, increase in National Insurance contributions and inflation, the organisation made the challenging executive decision to limit the variety of activities on offer to those in our care so that we may allow the staff to have a fair living wage. This additional funding will reinstate many of the services that were temporality paused so that SAY Women may continue to do the good work supporting young women affected by sexual violence and homelessness.”